+10 extra stars... A folk-funk masterpiece!!

One of my all-time favorite albums. Following his big surprise hit with "Ain't No Sunshine," Withers insisted on the right to produce his follow-up album, and the results, as you can hear, were stellar. He rounded up some pals from the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, guys that he jammed with regularly in the 'hood, and the tight, compact ensemble sizzled their way through his latest set of plainspoken, soul-piercing funk ballads. This album includes chart-topping hits such as "Use Me," "Another Day To Run," and "Use Me," but it also has lesser-known emotionally raw powerhouses like "Who Is He (And What Is He To You?)" and "I Don't Want You On My Mind" that tend to get forgotten in the foggy haze of various best-of collections. "Lonely Street, Lonely Town" is another fine example of Wither's empathic humanist world view, a soft folkie sentiment with a killer funk groove to back it up. Amazingly, this is the first time this album has been reissued in its entirety: snap it up while you can, and enjoy one of the best records the early 1970s had to offer!

Still soulful, still brilliant

As great as Bill Withers 1971 debut album "Just As I Am" was, Bill showed exactly what he was capable of with the follow up album. Taking the production reins himself when Booker T. Jones was unavailable, and enlisting rhythmic and co-production assistance from ex-Charles Wright band members James Gadson, Benorce Blackmon, Ray Jackson, and Melvin Dunlap, he surpassed everyone's expectations. Led by the #1 Pop and R&B smash "Lean On Me" and the follow up "Use Me"(#2 Pop and R&B)the whole album has a great laid back, funky feel. My personal faves besides the two big hits are "Who Is He, And What Is He To You" recently covered by Meshell N'degeocello, also the touching "Let Me In Your Life, and the groove "Kissing My Love" whose beat was lifted by Dr. Dre on "Let Me Ride" and on Tara Kemp's "Hold Me Tight". This new reissue is nicely filled out with two tracks from the live album recorded at Carnegie Hall. After being out of print on CD for a number of years, it's great to see this classic album available once again.

the Full Bill

Finally a Ful Bill Withers Album that Highlights this Man's Songwriting&All-Around Flavor as a Artist of various Styles&Vibes.the Album Sounds really strong from start to finish&it's nice to have more than another Greatest Hits or Best of Project.His Voice is Right on with this Set as well.